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They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain

Name: They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain
Director: Robert H. Lieberman
Released: 2012
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Good

2012

Director

Robert H. Lieberman

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary excels at centering non-Western voices, providing a rare look into a nation held in stasis by a brutal military regime. By prioritizing the perspectives of those living under authoritarian rule, it effectively challenges traditional global political hierarchies. The film's strength lies in its ethnic ability to act, allowing Burmese citizens to speak for themselves rather than through a Western lens. The inclusion of Aung San Suu Kyi further disrupts patriarchal power structures by centering female leadership in a high-stakes political struggle. However, the film lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities and provides no evidence of disability inclusion. While it succeeds in geopolitical and ethnic representation, these specific social dimensions remain unaddressed.

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Category Breakdown

Does They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on the macro-political landscape and the struggle against military rule. There is no explicit depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender gender expressions.

How does They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on the political actions of Aung San Suu Kyi. By highlighting her struggle against a male-dominated military junta, the film challenges traditional expectations of leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain?

Excellent

The documentary provides a platform for a non-Western majority cast. It allows Burmese voices to reclaim their own narrative, countering the Western perspective with internal complexities.

How does They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques systemic corruption and oppression within the Burmese military regime. It explores the tension between state-imposed structures and individual truth in an isolated nation.

Does They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Provides a platform for non-Western voices to reclaim their own national narrative.
Challenges patriarchal power structures by centering female political ability to act.
Offers deep ethnic ability to act by presenting diverse perspectives from across Burma.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender expressions.
Provides no visible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Shot clandestinely over a two year period, this film provides a rare look into the second most isolated country on the planet held in a stasis by a brutal military regime for almost a half century. From over 100 interviews of people across Burma, including the recently released Aung San Suu Kyi, interwoven with stunning footage of Burmese life this documentary is truly unique.

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